in colorado following the or a movie theater shooting in the connecticut after the sandy hook school shooting, there was less interest in buying guns. other democrats suggest the time to act is now. >> we will not allow, and the public will allow the normal to be mass shootings every month. >> the top senate republican says there are higher priorities >> the biggest problem we have at the moment is spending and debt. that will dominate the congress between now and the end of march none of these issues, i think, will have the kind of priority and spending and debt are going to have a the next two or three months. >> white house aides say mr. obama plans to move forward the agenda in a timely fashion. leading republicans say in addition to spending and debt, jobs are another top priority, suggesting the gop is slamming on the brakes on the gun issue. lou: thank you very much, as always. our chief congressional correspondent. senate majority leader harry reid apologizing after saying last week that hurricane katrina was nothing in comparison to what happens to the people of new york and